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t203 Tutorial Pro
t203 Tutorial Pro
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The TUTORIAL Set
The predicted climate change in combination with the worldwide rising energy demand and the
decreasing coal, oil and gas resources make the development of new energy sources one of the
main tasks of the 21st century. Hydrogen technology plays a special role here. Hydrogen and
oxygen can be used to directly generate electricity with the use of fuel cells. The only emission:
water. Using electricity (e.g. provided by solar cells), the required hydrogen can be generated
directly from water by splitting it into hydrogen and oxygen. The principle behind this is referred to
as electrolysis. Together, the two processes form the solar-hydrogen cycle.
All stages of the solar-hydrogen cycle can be clearly explained using simple experiments. This is a
simple principle, which works in small and large scale while protecting resources and relieving the
strain on the environment. It is not a surprise then that all experts predict excellent future prospects
for fuel cell technology.
These instructions explain the assembly, startup and function of the set. Furthermore, you will find
numerous experiments and suggestions for using the devices in class.
We hope you conduct exciting experiments and gain interesting insights into the future of energy
supply.
Safety information
Read and observe the general safety instructions included separately with this product before
using the product!
Product-specific safety information
The product may only be used:
• according to the intended use
• in compliance with all safety information
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1x fuel cell with transport tubes and stopper
1x electrolyzer with transport tubes
FC EL
1x solar module
1x fan
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1x experimentation plate
1x vehicle plate
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1x bottle for distilled water
1x textbook
Fuel Cell Technology for Classroom Instruction
1x operating instructions
Detail View:
Cap for gas connection
Stopper for closing off air intake
Stopper
Cap
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About the experiments
The following section contains general warning information and comments on the experiments.
General warning information:
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Using the experiment templates
All components are equipped with magnets. When the experiment templates are placed on the
metal experimentation plate in the folder, the experiments can be set up safely and easily. Place
the components on the marked positions on the experiment templates as described in the setup
instructions.
H-TEC EDUCATION fuel cells and electrolyzers are clearly marked with colors depending on their
function.
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Experiment 1: Solar energy
Overview
The objective of the experiment is to convert light energy into electrical energy using the solar
module. The electrical consumer is used for illustration purposes.
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Setup/assembly
1 . Place the solar module and the fan on the experimentation plate (fig. 1) or place the solar module on the vehicle
plate (fig. 2) as marked.
2 . Connect the solar module to the corresponding connections on the fan or to the motor cables on the
experimentation plate using the connecting cables. Ensure correct polarity (red = “+”, black = “-”).
3 . When the solar module receives enough light, the fan or the motor starts to run.
4 . Disassemble the experiment as described in chapter “Shutting down”.
1 2
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Experiment 1
Solar energy
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Solar module Consumer
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Experiment 2: Solar hydrogen generation and storage
Overview:
The objective of the experiment is to operate the electrolyzer with the generated energy.
The electrolyzer splits water into the gases hydrogen and oxygen which are stored in the
respective gas storage tanks.
Setup time: approx. 3 minutes
Duration of the experiment: approx. 5-15 minutes
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Setup/assembly
1 . Place the two gas storage tanks and the electrolyzer on the experimentation
plate as marked.
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Gas generation
1 . When the solar module receives enough light, the electrolyzer starts
producing hydrogen and oxygen at a ratio of 2:1 (fig. 4).
CAUTION Risk of injury from hot surfaces!
The protection diode on the electrolyzer becomes
very hot in case of incorrect polarity.
Touching the surface of the diode can cause
injuries. Before startup, ensure correct polarity
of the connecting cables and the electrical
connections (red = “+”, black = “-”)! Do not touch
the diode.
4
CAUTION Risk of damage through insufficient distance to
lamps The solar module can become excessively
hot or sustain irreparable damage if it is too close
to the lamp. Observe the minimum distance
defined by the manufacturer when operating solar
modules with lamps.
2 . When the gas storage tanks are filled, excess gas escapes as bubbles. Hydrogen production has to be stopped.
3 . Continue operating the fuel cells until the consumer (e.g. the motor) stops independently. This allows some water to
remain in the fuel cell, moistening the PEM. This procedure also prevents unnecessary discharge of hydrogen.
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Experiment 2
Solar hydrogen generation and storage
O2
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EL
H2
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Experiment 3: Solar hydrogen system - H2/O2
Overview
The objective of the experiment is to generate electrical energy from the stored gases.
The gases are fed to the fuel cell. The fuel cell converts the chemical energy into electricity and
heat. The electrical consumer is used for illustration purposes.
Setup time: approx. 5 minutes
Duration of the experiment: approx. 10 minutes
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Setup/assembly
1 . Place the two gas storage tanks and the electrolyzer on the experimentation
plate as marked.
CAUTION Risk of injury from hydrogen ignition
Damaged tubes or leaking connections can
cause hydrogen to leak. Incorrect connection of
the tubes can lead to formation of an explosive
hydrogen-air mixture. Hydrogen and hydrogen-
air mixtures can ignite in proximity to an
ignition source. Check tubes and connections 1
for damage before each setup. The tubes have
to be connected exactly as described in the
instructions.
2 . Connect the upper and lower connections of the electrolyzer to the corre-
sponding connections on the electrolysis side of the gas storage tanks with four
short tubes (fig. 1).
3 . Place the fuel cell on the experimentation plate. Connect the upper connec-
tions of the fuel cell to the connection on the fuel cell side of the gas storage
tanks using two short tubes. The stopper of the fuel cell has to be inserted.
4 . Close each of the two lower connections of the fuel cell with a cap
(fig. 2).
5 . Fill both gas storage tanks with distilled water to the lower marking of the
compensation tanks. 2
6 . Open the caps on both sides of the fuel cell so that the air escapes from gas
storage tanks, electrolyzer and fuel cell. The process is completed when the
water level in the gas storage tanks no longer decreases (fig. 3). Then close the
lower connections of the fuel cell with the caps again.
NOTE Water in the fuel cell
Ensure that no water runs into the fuel cell. A
water film on the electrode surface can suppress
the reaction of hydrogen and oxygen in the fuel
cell. The fuel cell then does not have sufficient
power.
7 . Place the solar module on the experimentation plate as marked and connect
it to the corresponding connections on the electrolyzer using the connecting
cables (fig. 4). Ensure the correct polarity 3
(red = “+”, black = “-”)!
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Gas generation
1 . When the solar module receives enough light, the electrolyzer starts
producing hydrogen and oxygen at a ratio of 2:1 (fig. 5).
CAUTION Risk of injury from hot surfaces!
The surface of solar modules can become very
hot during operation. Touching the surface of solar
modules may cause injuries. Do not touch the
surface of solar modules during operation. Let the
surface of the solar modules cool to 60 °C before
removing.
5
CAUTION Risk of damage through insufficient distance to
lamps. The solar module can become excessively
hot or sustain irreparable damage if it is too close
to the lamp. Observe the minimum distance
defined by the manufacturer when operating solar
modules with lamps.
2 . When the gas storage tanks are filled, excess gas escapes as bubbles. Hydrogen production has to be stopped.
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Experiment 3
Solar hydrogen generation system -
H2/O2
O2
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EL FC
H2
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Experiment 4: Solar hydrogen system - H2/Air
Overview
The objective of the experiment is to generate electrical energy from the stored hydrogen and
atmospheric oxygen. The hydrogen is fed to the fuel cell. The fuel cell converts the chemical
energy into electricity and heat. The electrical consumer is used for illustration purposes.
Setup time: approx. 5 minutes
Duration of the experiment: approx. 10 minutes
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Setup/assembly
1 . Place the two gas storage tanks and the electrolyzer on the experimentation
plate as marked.
CAUTION Risk of injury from hydrogen ignition
Damaged tubes or leaking connections can
cause hydrogen to leak. Incorrect connection of
the tubes can lead to formation of an explosive
hydrogen-air mixture. Hydrogen and hydrogen-
air mixtures can ignite in proximity to an
ignition source. Check tubes and connections 1
for damage before each setup. The tubes have
to be connected exactly as described in the
instructions.
2 . Connect the upper and lower connections of the electrolyzer to the corre-
sponding connections on the electrolysis side of the gas storage tanks with four
short tubes (fig. 1).
3 . Place the fuel cell on the experimentation plate. Connect the upper connec-
tion of the fuel cell on the hydrogen side to the connection on the fuel cell side of
the hydrogen storage tank using a short hose (fig. 2). The stopper of the fuel cell
must not be inserted.
4 . Close the lower connection of the fuel cell on the hydrogen side and the
connection on the fuel cell side of the oxygen storage tank with one cap each.
5 . Fill both gas storage tanks with distilled water to the lower marking of the 2
compensation tanks.
6 . Open the cap on the fuel cell and the cap on the oxygen storage tank
so that the air escapes from gas storage tanks, electrolyzers and fuel cell. The
process is completed when the water level in the gas storage tank no longer
decreases (fig. 3). Then place the cap on the oxygen storage tank and the cap on
the fuel cell on the corresponding connections again.
NOTE Water in the fuel cell
Ensure that no water runs into the fuel cell. A
water film on the electrode surface can suppress
the reaction of hydrogen and oxygen in the fuel
cell. The fuel cell then does not have sufficient
power.
7 . Place the solar module on the experimentation plate as marked and connect 3
it to the corresponding connections on the electrolyzer using the connecting
cables (fig. 4). Ensure the correct polarity
(red = “+”, black = “-”)!
8 . Place the fan on the experimentation plate as marked and connect it to the
corresponding connections on the fuel cell using the connecting cables. Ensure 4
the correct polarity (red = “+”, black = “-”)!
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Gas generation
1 . When the solar module receives enough light, the electrolyzer starts
producing hydrogen and oxygen at a ratio of 2:1 (fig. 5).
CAUTION Risk of injury from hot surfaces!
The surface of solar modules can become very
hot during operation. Touching the surface of solar
modules may cause injuries. Do not touch the
surface of solar modules during operation. Let the
surface of the solar modules cool to 60 °C before
removing.
5
CAUTION Risk of damage through insufficient distance to
lamps. The solar module can become excessively
hot or sustain irreparable damage if it is too close
to the lamp. Observe the minimum distance
defined by the manufacturer when operating solar
modules with lamps.
2 . When the gas storage tanks are filled, excess gas escapes as bubbles. Hydrogen production has to be stopped.
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Experiment 4
Solar hydrogen generation system -
H2/Air
H2O
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EL FC
H2
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Experiment 5: Fuel cell vehicle and solar hydrogen filling
Overview
The objective of the experiment is to use light energy to produce hydrogen The electrolyzer splits
water into the gases hydrogen and oxygen, whereby the hydrogen is stored for later use.
Setup time: approx. 3 minutes
Duration of the experiment: approx. 5-15 minutes
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Setup/assembly
1 . Place one gas storage tank and the electrolyzer on the experimentation plate
as marked.
CAUTION Risk of injury from hydrogen ignition
Damaged tubes or leaking connections can
cause hydrogen to leak. Incorrect connection of
the tubes can lead to formation of an explosive
hydrogen-air mixture. Hydrogen and hydrogen-
air mixtures can ignite in proximity to an ignition
source. 1
Check tubes and connections for damage before
each setup. The tubes have to be connected
exactly as described in the instructions.
2 . Connect the electrolysis side of the gas storage tank to the connections on
the hydrogen side of the electrolyzer with two short tubes. The gas storage tank
serves as a hydrogen storage tank.
3 . Place one long tube on the connection of the fuel cell side of the hydrogen
storage tank and close it off with a tube clamp (fig. 1).
4 . Fill the hydrogen storage tank with distilled water to the upper marking of the
compensation tank.
5 . Open the tube clamp. The air escapes from the hydrogen storage tank and
the electrolyzer. The process is completed when the water level in the hydrogen
storage tank no longer decreases (fig. 2). Then close off the tube clamp again. 6 . 2
Moisten the oxygen side of the electrolyzer with distilled water. To do this, screw
the tube attachment onto the water bottle and connect the tube to the
lower connection of the electrolyzer. Use light pressure on the bottle to flood the
oxygen side of the electrolyzer with distilled water. Then remove the bottle again
(fig. 3).
7 . Place the solar module on the experimentation plate as marked and connect
it to the corresponding connections on the electrolyzer using the connecting
cables (fig. 4). Ensure the correct polarity (red = “+”, black = “-”)!
CAUTION Risk of injury from hot surfaces!
The protection diode on the electrolyzer becomes
very hot in case of incorrect polarity.
Touching the surface of the diode can cause
injuries. Before startup, ensure correct polarity 3
of the connecting cables and the electrical
connections (red = “+”, black = “-”)!Do not touch
the diode.
Gas generation
1 . When the solar module receives enough light, the electrolyzer starts produc-
ing hydrogen and oxygen at a ratio of 2:1, whereby the oxygen is not stored in
this experiment.
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CAUTION Risk of damage through insufficient distance to
lamps
The solar module can become excessively hot or
sustain irreparable damage if it is too close to the
lamp. Observe the minimum distance defined by
the manufacturer when operating solar modules
with lamps.
2. When the hydrogen storage tank is filled, excess gas escapes as bubbles.
Hydrogen production has to be stopped.
2 . Attach a medium tube with a tube clamp to the fuel cell on the hydrogen side on the lower connection. Close the tube
clamp.
3 . Connect the short tube on the hydrogen storage tank to the upper connection of the fuel cell on the hydrogen side.
4 . Place the fuel cell and the hydrogen storage tank on the vehicle plate and connect the cables of the motor to the
corresponding connections on the fuel cell. Ensure correct polarity (red = “+”, black = “-”). (fig 5).
5 . Fill the hydrogen storage tank with distilled water to the lower marking of the compensation tank.
6 . Open the cap on the hydrogen side of the fuel cell so that the air escapes from the hydrogen storage tank and the fuel
cell. The process is completed when the water level in the hydrogen storage tank no longer decreases (fig. 6). Then close
the lower connection of the fuel cell with the cap again. The stopper of the fuel cell must not be inserted.
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NOTE Further information
Further information for carrying out the experiments and for
troubleshooting can be found in the chapters “About the experiments” and
“Troubleshooting”.
9 . Set the switch at the back of the vehicle to “on”. The vehicle starts moving. To stop the vehicle, set
the switch to “off” again.
10 . Continue operating the fuel cells until the consumer (e.g. the motor) stops independently. This allows some water to
remain in the fuel cell, moistening the PEM. This procedure also prevents unnecessary discharge of hydrogen.
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Experiment 5
Fuel cell vehicle and solar hydrogen filling station
EL
H2
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Experiment 6: Modular fuel cell
Overview
The aim of the experiment is to disassemble a fuel cell and to reassemble it from the individual
components to understand the internal structure in a practical example.
Duration of the experiment: approx. 10 minutes
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Individual Components
9
10 8
7
3 5
2
4
1
Components Quantity
Position 1 polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) 1
Position 2 electrodes 2
Position 3 current collector 2
Position 4 housing plates 2
Position 5 spacer (permanently connected to the housing) 2
Position 6 nuts 8
Position 7 connection jacks (permanently connected to the current collector) 2
Position 8 shims 8
Position 9 connection stubs 4
Position 10 screws 4
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Disassembly
The modular fuel cell can be fully disassembled.
CAUTION Risk of damage to the equipment through improper handling The PEM
and the electrodes are highly delicate components and can easily
become damaged or contaminated.
Handle the components with care. Prevent the components from being
touched with fingers. Only handle the components in a clean environment
with blunt plastic tweezers. Never touch the PEM with sharp objects.
1 . Release the four nuts with the tool and remove the four screws holding the fuel cell together.
2 . Carefully separate the housing plates.
3 . Separate the current collectors or pull away from the housing plates.
4 . Use the tweezers to carefully pull the PEM off one of the current collectors.
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Assembly
1 . Place a shim on each of the four screws and place in one of the two housing
plates on the side facing away from the spaces. Then place the housing plate on
a level surface with the screw heads facing down 2
(fig. 1).
2 . Place one of the two current collectors on the housing plate. For this, the
thicker seal side has to face towards the housing plate (fig. 2).
3 . Use the tweezers to place one of the two electrodes on the current collector.
Make absolutely sure to observe the correct installation direction! The deep
black side of the electrode has to face upwards, while the silvery black side of
the electrode has to face down towards the current collector. Place the electrode
so it is centered.
4 . Remove the PEM from the distilled water with the tweezers. Place the wet
PEM on the electrode so the PEM rests evenly on the sealing rim of the current
collector all around. Ensure not to shift the electrode (fig. 3).
5 . Place the second electrode on the PEM with the tweezers. Make absolutely
sure to observe the correct installation direction! The deep black side of the 3
electrode has to face downwards towards the PEM, while the silvery black side
of the electrode has to face upward. Place the electrode so it is centered.
6 . Place the second current collector so the two connection jacks face in the
same direction. The thicker sealing side faces upwards (fig. 4). The second
electrode must not protrude into the sealing area during placement of the current
collector. If necessary, correct the position of the electrode with the tweezers.
NOTE Advice for assembly
We recommend holding on to the second current
collector until the next step has been completed
so it cannot shift after positioning.
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NOTE Advice for assembly
We recommend holding on to the second current
collector until the next step has been completed
so it cannot shift after positioning.
7 . Place the second housing plate with the spacer facing downwards (fig. 5).
8 . Place the four remaining shims on the screws. Place four nuts on the screws
and screw the fuel cell together finger-tight.
9 . Keep tightening the nuts gradually(max 1/2 turn) (fig. 6) until the distance
between the housing plates is approx. 4.0 mm. 6
10 . Screw the connecting stubs into the four openings in the housing plates.
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Experiment 6
Modular Fuel Cell
1 2 3
4 5 6
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Technical data
Box:
H x W x D: 400 x 300 x 180 mm
Weight: 3.25 kg
Electrolyzer:
H2 Production: 10.0 mL/min
O2 Production: 5 mL/min
Permissible Current: 0 - 1.5 A
Permissible operating voltage: 0 - 2.0 VDC
Electrode Area: 2.9 cm2
Guide value for distilled water: <2 µS/cm
Permitted operating pressure: 0 - 20 mbar
H x W x D: 51 x 51 x 41 mm
Weight: 58 g
Fuel Cell:
H2 / O2 Power: 900 mW
H2 / Air Power: 3000 mW
Electrode Area: 2.9 cm2
Permitted operating pressure: 0 - 20 mbar
H x W x D: 51 x 51 x 41 mm
Weight: 58 g
Accessories:
Gas storage tank: 30 mL H2 & 30 mL O2
Solar module: 2.0V / 600 mA*
Load (fan): 10 mW
Load (motor of the vehicle plate): 150 mW
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Troubleshooting
The fuel cell has very little power.
Possible Cause:
The fuel cell was stored too dry or for too long. A fuel cell with a dry polymer
electrolyte membrane (PEM) loses power.
Solution:
Continue operation. The fuel cell moistens itself during operation which slowly
allows it to reach its full capacity again.
Despite hydrogen being present, the load connected to the fuel cell (e.g. the motor) is not
working.
Possible Cause:
Water has entered the fuel cell during operation (e.g. through the gas storage
tanks). Drops of water in the fuel cell can block the gas feed and lead to rapid
loss of power.
Solution:
Dry the fuel cell by opening and blowing out the connections.
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Troubleshooting
With the solar module connected, no hydrogen is produced in the electrolyzer.
Possible Cause:
The light intensity is insufficient.
Solution:
In order to operate solar modules, either adequate direct sunlight or
concentrated light from a powerful electrical light source is required. Energy-
saving light bulbs, fluorescent tubes etc. are unsuitable for the operation of solar
modules.
Despite correct setup, the electrolyzer or the fuel cell is not working.
Possible Cause:
No distilled water was used. The electrolyzer and/or the fuel cell has/have
sustained irreparable damage.
Should the above-mentioned solutions not remedy the cause of error, please contact
H-TEC EDUCATION.
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Shutting down
Continue operating the fuel cells until the consumer (e.g. the motor) stops independently.
This allows some water to remain in the fuel cell, moistening the PEM. This procedure
also prevents unnecessary discharge of hydrogen.
Draining the gas storage tanks:
1 . All gas has to be consumed before draining the storage tanks.
CAUTION Risk of injury from hydrogen ignition
Escaping hydrogen can ignite in proximity to an ignition source. Prevent
hydrogen from escaping. Completely use up all hydrogen at the end of
experiments, before dismantling.
2 . Remove the components from the experimentation plate or vehicle plate as one
unit.
3 . Pour water into a collecting vessel.
Disassembly is carried out in reverse order to assembly.
Before putting the product into storage, observe the following points:
Close the connections of fuel cells and electrolyzers with caps. This prevents the PEM
from drying out. The same applies to stoppers on fuel cells.
Remove any water droplets from the experimentation plate or vehicle plate with a soft,
lint-free cloth. This prevents the formation of water stains.
Maintenance
The components of the product do not require maintenance. The following points should be
observed, though:
Use freshly distilled water for each operation.
After operation, remove the water from the gas storage tanks.
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Disposal
Do not dispose of fuel cells and electrolyzers as general household waste.
According to European regulations, used electric and electronic devices may no longer be
disposed of as unsorted household waste. The symbol of the crossed-out wheelie bin indicates
the requirement for separate disposal.
Your local waste management company can provide you with additional information about
disposal options.
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© H-Tec Education, 2019. No part of this guide may be reproduced in whole or in part in any
manner without the express written permission of H-Tec Education. Subject to technical changes.
H-TEC EDUCATION
1902 Pinon Dr. Unit B
College Station, TX 77845
USA
Phone: +1 979-703-1925
Fax: +1 979-314-1122
Email: sales@myhtec.com
Website: www.myhtec.com
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